This shows a strong Bourbon barrel flavor from the new oak that is still being integrated into the fruit. Tart wild-berry flavors surfacewith air, but the impression is of a high-acid, sharply-defined Merlot; it’s structured for aging. — (7/1/2012) —88

Smooth as silk, its lush fruit seamlessly integrated with generous barrel flavors, this oak-aged, ripe Merlot marries its deep, black cherry fruit to generous layers of chocolate and caramel. It spent 24 months in barrel. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 90

An interesting, fecund nose carries aromas of wet hay along with cherries and plums. Well-balanced and high-toned flavors are bright and set the fruit against firm tannins and a layer of loam and graphite. Give it a few years in the cellar to bring out all the complexity. ——P.G.(5/1/2011)—— 90